The agent for the Timberwolves' seldom-used swingman, Gerald Green, an ex-Celtic, hopes to get his client a better playing opportunity in another NBA uniform.

Green's agent, Byron Irvin, told the Globe yesterday that he asked Wolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale and general manager Jim Stack in early January if they would trade his client. Green is making $1.4 million this season and the Wolves have declined his option for next season, thus making him an unrestricted free agent this summer. The trading deadline is Feb. 21.

"I thought it was going to be a formality that they wanted to take his option, especially since he is a player coming out of high school," said Irvin, an ex-NBA player who is Celtics coach Doc Rivers's cousin, in a telephone interview. "His first year he averaged 5 points and his second year he averaged 10. You can see the development and the growth.

"When they didn't take the option, the first question I had immediately is whether he is in Minnesota's long-term goals. You have to give that time to answer the question. And after he hasn't played much through 41 games, I would have to say the answer to that question is no."

"I'm just working hard every day in practice," said Green, who turns 22 today. "A lot of [positivity] comes from my teammates. They just keep telling me to keep working, keep getting better. I have vets like Antoine Walker, Greg Buckner, Mark Madsen, and Michael Doleac who keep me motivated to want to get better. That's all I'm trying to do.

"I'm just trying to look at everything as positive as I can to keep me motivated. Right now is a tough time, but I've got to stay self-motivated."

Rivers said he believes Green will be a "good player" in the NBA once he develops.

"It's going to take him time," Rivers said Thursday. "You've got to give him time. He's the Slam Dunk champion, not the basketball champion. We've got to let him play. We've got to let him grow. We've got to allow him to be coached.

"He has to keep improving and want to improve. Here, he was doing that. And from what I hear, he was working his butt off there. His time will come."

Said Celtics forward Paul Pierce: "Gerald is still trying to find himself."

Dr. J. Naismith

01-26-2008 12:00 PM

I haven't really watched alot of Green. Maybe 2 or 3 times when he was with the Celtics and they were playing the Raps, but does anyone think this kid is going to be something special or is he all hype? I mean, if there's a team in this league that's gonna give you playing time, you'd think it would be a team like the Timberwolves. :cwm34:

Acie

01-26-2008 12:47 PM

I think he'll be the best 9 and a half fingered basketball played ever.

Ball Don't Lie

01-26-2008 02:15 PM

He has a ton of talent, I dont think theres any question. I do think by year 5 he'll be a good bench guy somewhere. It's gonna take some time but I dont see how he wont become at least a decent bench guy unless he starts getting involved with some of the bad off court problems some nba players have had. Hes got a nice looking jumper that he can shoot off the dribble and hes uber athletic. I can see him becoming a less clutch Travis Outlaw for some team i nthe future, thats the best comparison I can think of.

moremilk

01-26-2008 08:48 PM

to think that he once was supposed to be the future of their (boston) franchise ... :)

INSIDER

01-26-2008 09:59 PM

if he's not playing much on the timberwolves of all teams, then you know something is wrong.
he cant find minutes on the worst team in the NBA? yikes.

MangoKidHoops

01-28-2008 03:41 PM

He's Harold Minor, part 2.

Sick, Wicked and Nasty!

01-28-2008 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kidd
(Post 6673)

Not sure if he'd fit in anywhere in Toronto ...

Towel boy.

Bob Loblaw

01-28-2008 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sick, Wicked and Nasty!
(Post 6936)

Towel boy.

I havent seen him play this season, but the kid seemed to have a lot of potential when he was in Boston (I caught quite a few of those games) and he was definitely better then towel bowl (and a few current Raptors .... Martin, Baston, Graham).

MangoKidHoops

01-28-2008 05:05 PM

He has the tools to be a real good player. He's got million dollar talent, but a 2 cent brain.

Ball Don't Lie

01-28-2008 05:31 PM

I dont see why he cant become like JR Smith on the Nugs. Decent 7th man who can come in and knock down some shots and give you some energy off the bench. If he doesnt bring it or makes some dumb plays you just sit him down, but both can be game changers for stretches in games. I wouldnt want either on my team but they can be gatorade x factors on any given night. You cant really count on em every night thus you need to have a good veteran team if theyre on your team but they CAN make a difference.

Kuzzy

01-28-2008 06:08 PM

darrick martin
for
gerald green :)
LOL

moremilk

01-28-2008 08:46 PM

joey graham for gerald green ... now that's a match made in heaven ... :)